On April 19, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) held its 65th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its new administrative office in Thorold. The meeting highlighted achievements from 2023 and carried out the election of the NPCA Board Executive for the 2024-25 term.
The Business portion of the meeting was called to order by CAO, Chandra Sharma, who conducted the election of officers. The Board of Directors then elected Haldimand County Councillor, John Metcalfe, as Board Chair, and citizen representative from the City of Hamilton, Stewart Beattie, was elected to the role of Vice-Chair.
Chair Metcalfe continues his tenure with NPCA having previously served as Vice-Chair for two consecutive years. A dedicated public servant with a wealth of experience in municipal governance and environmental conservation and stewardship, he also proudly serves as Deputy Mayor for Haldimand County in addition to several committees like Agriculture, Engineering and Capital Works and Corporate and Social Services. With an extensive background in public service from the Ministry of Transportation and as a volunteer firefighter for more than 25 years, Chair Metcalfe brings a strong commitment to community well-being and safety.
Vice-Chair Beattie is a seasoned leader with a diverse background in engineering, management and community service. Serving on the NPCA Board of Directors since 2011, he brings more than 20 years of experience as an operations manager, 39 years in integrated steel plant maintenance, and 42 years of dedication to community volunteerism, school trustee roles, and small business ownership. A resident of Winona, Vice-Chair Beattie has been instrumental in the Winona Peach Festival, serving as Board Chair, Board Member, and President since 1975.
The Chair and Vice-Chair were appointed to Conservation Ontario’s Committees and Council, with the CAO as their delegate. Similarly on April 15, CAO Chandra Sharma was reappointed to the Board of Directors of Conservation Ontario. With these appointments, NPCA is well represented as a champion among the conservation community in Ontario.
During the AGM, the Board of Directors approved the 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets, ensuring strategic allocation of resources to support NPCA’s programs and initiatives for the new fiscal year. They also received a clean bill of financial health following a successful audit of NPCA’s financial statements by KPMG. With the successful implementation of new mandated audit requirements and no issues identified through the audit, the results reaffirm NPCA’s commitment to financial sustainability.
NPCA celebrated the dedication and commitment of five employees, recognizing their milestone years of service and the invaluable contributions they have made to the organization’s mission and success.
The 65th Annual General Meeting marked a pivotal moment in NPCA’s journey, emphasizing achievements, leadership transitions, and fiscal responsibility. NPCA Board of Directors and staff look forward to continuing their vital role in environmental conservation and community stewardship for the year ahead.
The AGM was live-streamed and can be watched here. The next meeting for the Board of Directors is Friday, May 17 and meetings will continue to take place in a hybrid format. Meeting agendas, minutes, and links to the live streams are available on NPCA’s website.
About NPCA:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.
NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 41 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
To learn more, please visit: www.npca.ca.
